Tetanus

Tetanus, also commonly known as ‘Lockjaw’, is a serious infection that affects the body’s muscles and nerves. Infection can be fatal.

What Are the Symptoms?

Tetanus symptoms usually begin with mild spasms of the jaw muscles, hence the nickname ‘Lockjaw’. The spasms have also been known to affect the chest, neck, back and abdominal muscles, which also occasionally lead to breathing problems. Other symptoms can include drooling, excessive sweating, fever, irritability and uncontrolled urination or defecation.

Where Is It Found?

Tetanus is most commonly found in under-developed countries, where less effective immunization programs are in place, but it is considered a significant threat to public health all over the world.

How Can You Get It?

Tetanus spores, which are found all throughout the environment but most commonly in soil, dust and animal waste, enter the body through an injury or wound. The injuries that most commonly lead to tetanus infection include stepping on a nail and injuries involving dead skin, such as burns, frost bite and gangrene.

How Can You Prevent It?

Tetanus is preventable through proper immunization. The Tetanus vaccine is always given as Td and Tdap, which also protects against Diphtheria and Partussis. A tetanus vaccine will protect a person from infection for up to 10 years.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

International travelers should always be vaccinated for tetanus infection if they have not been immunized in at least seven years.

What To Expect Following Immunization

Common adverse reactions to the tetanus vaccine include pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection. These symptoms have been known to occur more frequently after subsequent immunizations and usually disappear within a matter of days. Severe symptoms can occur, but only in extremely rare cases.

Tetanus Factoid

Tetanus spores have been known to enter the human body through cuts and sores so small the person never seeks medical attention.